Fiscal Year 2026 Next Generation Warning System Grant Program

The Next Generation Warning System Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the Federal Emergency Management Agency within its Resilience Grant Programs Directorate. This program is designed to strengthen the nation’s public alert and warning capabilities by advancing the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System and supporting innovative technologies that enhance communication during emergencies. The funding opportunity reflects FEMA’s statutory responsibility to modernize national warning systems under the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Modernization Act and to ensure that communities can receive timely, accurate, and actionable emergency information. The primary purpose of the program is to identify capability gaps in existing alert and warning systems and implement forward looking solutions that improve the delivery of emergency communications to the public. Applicants are expected to collaborate closely with FEMA to explore flexible and innovative technologies such as satellite systems, streaming platforms, internet connected devices, and advanced audio visual alerting tools. The program emphasizes improving resilience against cybersecurity threats, adapting to evolving communication preferences, and expanding access to underserved or rural populations that may lack traditional communication infrastructure. Funding is provided through cooperative agreements, with FEMA maintaining substantial involvement throughout the lifecycle of each award. The agency participates in project selection, provides technical assistance, and collaborates with recipients to refine implementation strategies. Allowable uses of funds include installation of IPAWS compatible systems such as sirens and giant voice systems, integration of alerting technologies into new platforms, development of policies and procedures, training and exercises, and cybersecurity enhancements. Funds may not be used for activities unrelated to advancing public alert and warning capabilities, and indirect costs are not permitted. Management and administration costs are allowed but capped at five percent of the award. Eligibility for this program is limited to state governments and federally recognized tribal governments. These entities may issue subawards with FEMA approval, although subrecipients must meet strict requirements, including personnel vetting and compliance with federal regulations. The program does not require cost sharing or matching contributions. Applicants must also comply with federal statutes, communications regulations, and restrictions on certain telecommunications and unmanned aircraft systems. The application process requires registration in SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and FEMA GO, and submission of a complete application package through FEMA’s online system. Applications must include a structured project narrative detailing needs assessment, program design, logic model, budget narrative, and implementation schedule. FEMA evaluates applications based on criteria including vulnerability addressed, significance of capability gaps, alignment with program goals, feasibility of implementation, and opportunities for learning and scalability. The review process involves subject matter experts and grants management staff, with final selections made to ensure geographic diversity and innovation. Applicants must also meet formatting requirements and provide required federal forms such as the SF 424 series. The application window for the current cycle opens in mid July and closes on August 7, 2026, with awards anticipated by the end of September 2026. The period of performance runs from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2029. Recipients must meet several milestone deadlines, including identifying capability gaps by the end of 2026, conducting testing by mid 2027, and completing implementation by mid 2029. Ongoing quarterly financial and performance reporting is required, along with participation in program evaluations and compliance monitoring. This program is expected to operate on a recurring annual cycle, given its alignment with federal appropriations and ongoing national preparedness priorities. Applicants are encouraged to begin registration processes early due to the time required for federal system approvals. Questions and communications are handled through FEMA’s official grant channels, and applicants must maintain active registrations throughout the lifecycle of the award. The program represents a significant federal investment in modernizing emergency communication systems and improving public safety outcomes nationwide.

Align proposal strongly with identified capability gaps and demonstrate clear measurable outcomes; emphasize rural and underserved coverage; ensure technical feasibility and realistic implementation timeline; clearly justify costs relative to impact